49ers' Wright still holds grudge against Packers

SANTA CLARA -- Cornerback Eric Wright grew up a 49ers fan in San Francisco's rough Hunters Point neighborhood. Here's what else was rough for him: watching the Green Bay Packers eliminate his beloved 49ers three straight years in the playoffs.

Wright, who could see an increased role in the postseason as Carlos Rogers battles a hamstring injury, will carry a grudge from those 1995-97 seasons when he accompanies the 49ers (12-4) into their playoff opener Sunday at Green Bay (8-7-1).

"My disdain for that (Packers) organization is very strong," Wright said, "because it really tainted my childhood to an extent."

Wright recalled crying as a kid when the 49ers' bid for a sixth Super Bowl title repeatedly ended against Green Bay. Over 15 years later, the 49ers still are in quest of that sixth trophy, which, of course, is named after Packers icon Vince Lombardi.

Rogers' availability for that quest remains uncertain, though he optimistically said: "We'll see. It ain't that bad."

Asked if he's ruled himself out, Rogers replied: "Oh no. Hell no." An online report earlier Tuesday, by NationalFootballPost.com, said Rogers is not expected to play because of his unfavorable MRI results.

Tarell Brown would figure to replace Rogers as the starting left cornerback, although another option is Wright, who'll at least be the slot cornerback if Rogers can't go.

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It's Aaron Rodgers, the Packers' quarterback, who has Wright's and the 49ers' focus. Rodgers returned from a broken left collarbone to lead Green Bay past Chicago and to the NFC North title Sunday, throwing a last-minute touchdown pass in their 33-28 win.

"He's a confident guy who's confident in his ability and who's confident in his players, and that shows up on the field," Wright said.

The 49ers didn't unveil Wright as part of their secondary until Nov. 17. He had been on their reserve/non-football-injury/illness list, having tended to personal issues after two arrests within the previous year for alleged drunken driving.

In seven games, he's been relatively untested, producing just two pass defenses and a game-ending interception against the Seattle Seahawks.

Wright, a seventh-year veteran, has played in Lambeau Field only twice. One visit was for an exhibition, and the other was the 2011 regular-season finale that resulted in free-agent riches for Packers backup Matt Flynn, who passed for 480 yards and six touchdowns over Wright's Lions.

After that game, Wright cashed in, also, when he signed a lucrative contract with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who released him this past summer and opened the door for his signing with the 49ers.

Reflecting on that 2011 stint with the Lions, Wright recalled what it was like to oppose Packers-turned-Vikings quarterback Brett Favre. No matter what nice things people said about Favre, Wright said he couldn't stand him, "because of my love for my team I grew up with."

Wright is not related to the Eric Wright who played for the 49ers from 1981-90.

While teammates dispersed from the 49ers locker room Tuesday, Wright stuck around a bit after dipping his hands in wax. It's part of his routine to heal from work-related calluses, which he said is most appreciated by his wife and 8-month-old daughter.